Manila: The Philippines is seeking to advance agricultural and technological collaboration as it deepens its ties with Japan, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). This initiative comes in the wake of a courtesy call led by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo on Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. This meeting precedes the scheduled state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Japan later this month.
According to Philippines News Agency, the visit emphasizes the enduring strength and continuity of the partnership between the Philippines and Japan, particularly in achieving shared objectives related to food security, sustainability, and innovation. 'This visit underlines the strength and continuity of our partnership with Japan, especially as we pursue shared goals in food security, sustainability, and innovation,' Tiu Laurel highlighted in a statement on Wednesday.
During the meeting, both parties discussed target deliverables for the upcoming state visit, including a proposed amendment to the Philippines-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on agriculture. The amendment proposes an expansion of cooperation to include the fisheries sector, aiding the Philippines in advancing its food security targets. Additionally, once the amendment is in place, a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries will be established to facilitate institutionalized collaboration and sustained initiatives over the long term.
'It also provides an opportunity to align our priorities and accelerate initiatives that will directly benefit Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,' Tiu Laurel added. Furthermore, the Philippines is keen on pursuing deeper technological collaboration with Japan to boost local agricultural production. This collaboration will encompass smart agriculture, digital systems, and precision farming.
The Department of Agriculture will also advocate for the Philippines' request to lower the tariff on fresh bananas in Japan. The meeting covered other trade matters, such as negotiating new market access for Philippine pomelos in Japan and Japanese grapes in the Philippines. Both parties also reviewed preparations for the upcoming second Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries meeting in early July, which will be hosted by Japan, as well as the Philippines' planned participation in the Green X EXPO 2027.
